Networking the Green Economy

Report Partners

While building a green economy is often discussed as a distinct goal from
investing in broadband or overcoming the growing digital divide in our
society, new communication technologies are actually a critical part of
making our energy-hungry economy more sustainable and energy-efficient.

The Communications Workers of America's Speed Matters project, along with our partners the National Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club and the Blue Green Alliance, has released a joint
report Networking the Green Economy: How Broadband & Related Technologies Can Build a Green Economic Future. Watch our video, read the report's key insights below or download the full report to the right.

Key Insights

By transforming the way people and businesses use technology, the
United States can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 20
percent by 2020 - and potentially see gross energy and fuel savings of
$2 trillion over the next two decades.

Increasing grid efficiency through real-time monitoring, automation and
self-healing capabilities of distribution-level smart grid systems can
increase grid efficiency, which results in reduced energy generation and
reduced energy use. Energy savings equivalent to eliminating greenhouse gas
emissions from 53 million cars could be achieved by improving the efficiency
of the grid by just 5 percent.

Allowing various building systems to communicate and interact with each
other through smart technologies will thereby reduce energy use and
buildings' negative impact on the environment.

Increased adoption of broadband technology and telehealth practices
could decrease travel by allowing doctors to monitor and consult with
patients remotely. Telehealth technologies could avoid 850,000 transports
between emergency departments, resulting in transit cost savings of $537
million a year.

However, broadband subscription rates are under 50 percent for some
groups, including certain minority populations, rural communities, and
households with incomes of less than $50,000 per year. To fully realize a
robust green economic future, it will take a firm and long-standing
commitment to extend transformative communication technologies, such as
broadband, to everyone.

We look forward to a vibrant discussion and starting longer-term work to
make networking a greener economy a reality.